An
Internationally
Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) is a member of your
health care team who has a specialist knowledge of, and primary
focus on, breastfeeding.

They
are the consultants whom mothers and other health professionals turn
to when skilled assistance is required.

With
a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care,
empowering parents to make their own decisions, prenatally and
postnatally.

IBCLCs
use a problem solving approach to provide appropriate information,
recommendations and referrals. They work in a variety of settings.

IBCLCs
have passed a rigorous certification exam and keep their knowledge
and skills up to date through a compulsory recertification program.
They are required to practice within a Code of Ethics.

What is A
Lactation Consultation?

A
lactation consultation is a professional appointment with an IBCLC.The consultation can take place either in your home or in an
office setting. The initial session usually takes approximately
1-1/2 to 2 hours to complete.

Lactation
consultation sessions include:

Taking
a prenatal, birth, and feeding history.

Observation
of a feeding; milk expression; appearance of the mother, her breast,
the baby, and milk (if seen); pre- and post-feeding weights to
measure volume of intake at the breast, and any other artifacts that
may be pertinent.

A
feeding assessment, where the consultant carefully and critically
observes the baby's feeding cues, pre-feeding behaviors, and
response to the feeding, as well as the ability to transfer milk –
a complex, integrated activity.

Documenting
the findings and composing a summary of the plan agreed upon by the
mother and the consultant, which includes any referrals to other
care providers and support services.

Giving
a copy of the plan to the mother and reiterating follow-up
arrangements.

Writing
a summary and communication with pertinent health care providers.
Conducting follow-up meetings and/or phone calls, as long as needed,
with subsequent documentation and sharing of the plan.